Miracle League A Home Run For Kids With Special Needs

The Miracle League of Miami-Dade is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that provides special needs children with an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0001

(Source: CBS4)

The organization is raising funds to a build a custom-designed ball field for children with special needs, as seen in this rendering. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0002

(Source: CBS4)

Another rendering of the ball field which will be built at Tamiami Park. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0004

(Source: CBS4)

The Miami Marlins and Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation Department formed a partnership with the Miracle League to help make the dream of a custom field a reality. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0003

(Source: CBS4)

The custom built field will be made of special rubberized material which makes it easier for players in wheelchairs and walkers to glide around the bases and to their positions on the field without fear of injury. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0005

(Source: CBS4)

Because the custom built field has not been built yet, the inaugural game of the Miracle League of Miami-Dade was played Saturday, Nov. 16th, 2012 at Suniland Park in Pinecrest. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0007

(Source: CBS4)

It was played on a traditional clay and grass field and future games will also be played there until the custom built field is complete. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0010

(Source: CBS4)

The inaugural game featured baseball legends MIke Lowell and Andre Dawson as honorary team managers. Former Marlins player Gaby Sanchez threw out the first pitch of the game. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0008

(Source: CBS4)

Mike Lowell prior to the start of the inaugural game. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0013

(Source: CBS4)

Andre Dawson and Gaby Sanchez prior to the start of the inaugural game. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0012

(Source: CBS4)

Billy the Marlin kept the crowd entertained and posed with a player, his family and his "baseball buddy." (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0014

(Source: CBS4)

University of Miami baseball announcer Jay Rokeach called the inaugural game. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0016

(Source: CBS4)

Player Ben Young stands with his baseball buddies Christopher and Gillian. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0017

(Source: CBS4)

Gaby Sanchez and Billy the Marlin on the pitchers mound before Sanchez threw the first ball. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0020

(Source: CBS4)

Two baseball buddies stand with a player in the outfield. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0024

(Source: CBS4)

Baseball buddies are paired up with players to assist them at bat and in the field. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0026

(Source: CBS4)

Baseball buddies are usually around the same age as the player and often become friends while playing the game and outside the game as well. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0035

(Source: CBS4)

Mike Lowell coaches first base with a player and his buddy. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0036

(Source: CBS4)

All baseball buddies are student volunteers. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0037

(Source: CBS4)

During the inaugural game, all of the players were paired up with at least two buddies. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0038

(Source: CBS4)

The two teams are comprised exclusively of children with physical and/or mental challenges. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0039

(Source: CBS4)

A proud mother gives her son a kiss as he crosses home base. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0009

(Source: CBS4)

Mike Lowell talks to a player at first base. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0011

(Source: CBS4)

The Zoo Miami zoo squad was also on hand for the kids. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0015

(Source: CBS4)

Mike Lowell on the field (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0018

(Source: CBS4)

There are nearly 30,000 special needs children living in Miami-Dade County and the Miracle League fields will be the first of their kind in Miami-Dade. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0019

(Source: CBS4)

The league also has plans to use a special ball that beeps so people with visual impairments will be able to play as well. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0021

(Source: CBS4)

The inaugural game was a huge success with nearly two dozen players who all enjoyed America's favorite past time. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0022

(Source: CBS4)

Billy the Marlin posed for pictures with players. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0023

(Source: CBS4)

The only other Miracle League field in South Florida is located in Pembroke Pines in Broward County. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0025

(Source: CBS4)

Mike Lowell and Billy the Marlin hang out on first base with a player and his baseball buddy. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0027

(Source: CBS4)

The custom built fields at Tamiami Park will also consist of a playground specifically designed and equipped for children with special needs. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0028

(Source: CBS4)

The vision of the Miracle League of Miami-Dade: "Every child deserves to experience joy and community through baseball." (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0030

(Source: CBS4)

A player gives a thumbs up at first base. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0031

(Source: CBS4)

There are no winners or losers in these games. All players hit and all players score. (Source: CBS4)

Miracle League Inaugural Game0032

(Source: CBS4)

The inaugural game consisted of two innings under beautiful blue skies and a crowd who cheered every player on with great enthusiasm. (Source: CBS4)